An original WWII German military book titled “Tag und Nacht am Feind – Aufklärungs-Abteilungen im Westen” (“Day and Night Against the Enemy – Reconnaissance Battalions in the West”), published on behalf of the Oberkommando des Heeres (OKH – German Army High Command).
Unlike general propaganda books, this volume focuses specifically on the operations of the German Army reconnaissance units during the 1940 Western Campaign, documenting the rapid advances through Belgium and France.
The book contains numerous wartime photographs depicting reconnaissance troops, motorcycles, armored scout vehicles (Sd.Kfz.), light tanks, horse-mounted elements, artillery, infantry, and battlefield scenes. Written from the perspective of front-line reconnaissance soldiers, it provides a fascinating contemporary account of Germany’s fast-moving operations during the early Blitzkrieg campaigns.
Included with this copy is an original portrait card of Bernhard Rust, Reich Minister of Science, Education and National Culture, together with a period ownership stamp and handwritten notation from the original owner, adding additional historical character to the volume.
An increasingly difficult wartime publication to locate and an excellent addition for collectors specializing in the German Heer, Blitzkrieg, reconnaissance units, motorcycles, armored vehicles, or WWII German military history.
Condition
Good original condition.
The original hardcover shows moderate age wear, soiling, and edge wear with minor bumps to the corners and spine ends. The binding remains solid, and the pages retain good readability with normal age toning. The book includes an original period ownership stamp, handwritten notation, and an inserted portrait card of Bernhard Rust.
Specifications
Period: Third Reich (1933–1945)
Country: Germany
Title: Tag und Nacht am Feind
Subtitle: Aufklärungs-Abteilungen im Westen
Issued by: Oberkommando des Heeres (OKH)
Language: German
Binding: Original hardcover
Illustrations: Numerous wartime photographs
Insert: Original Bernhard Rust portrait card
Ownership: Period stamp and handwritten notation
Originality: Original wartime publication
Historical Note
German Aufklärungs-Abteilungen served as the reconnaissance spearhead of Wehrmacht divisions, operating motorcycles, armored cars, half-tracks, and light armored vehicles ahead of the main force. During the 1940 Western Campaign, these units played a vital role in locating enemy positions, securing bridges, and maintaining the rapid pace of the Blitzkrieg offensive. Publications such as Tag und Nacht am Feind were intended to highlight their exploits while documenting the German Army’s early wartime successes.
